The 26-year-old, who has 18 months left to run on his current deal, has struggled to assert himself in the first team this season after a number of niggling injuries but his boss is keen for him to remain at the club for the foreseeable future.

"He's capable of scoring incredible goals. His goal against Everton, when he dinked the keeper after playing a couple of one-twos, was incredible. And the goal against Tottenham the year before, where he dinked the goalkeeper after playing a one-two, was another one.

"The boy has an incredible talent for winning matches. He's one of the best match-winners in the game, and I include the whole of Europe in that.

"David Gill's been speaking to his agent for quite a few weeks. It's entirely up to the boy - he has a year and a half left. I think he wants guaranteed first-team football. He can guarantee himself that. Performances like the other night can guarantee that.

"We're trying our best to keep him because he's such a match-winner."

A hamstring injury has kept Nani out for six weeks, but he returned recently despite failing to make the matchday squad to face Real Madrid in the Champions League last-16 first leg.

However, Sir Alex is happy with the selection headache the Portuguese’s return gives him.

Sir Alex added: "Nani was out with an injury for six weeks or more. We sent him back to Portugal for treatment and tried to get the injury to settle. He's never really had an injury.

"Now he's back fit, training well, he's a consideration. There's no doubt about that. It gives me a headache because Antonio Valencia has been a fantastic player for us and I know Nani likes playing on the right.

"We like to play Nani on the left sometimes. We also have Ashley Young who can play on the left and we have Ryan Giggs who can play there if we want him to play in a different way. Our options are fantastic. I think that puts us in a strong position."